Question

A decomposition occurs when you open a can or bottle of soda. Carbonic acid,H2CO3, is in carbonated beverages. It decomposes into carbon dioxide and water. If you leave an open soda can out for a long time, it loses its fizz. Which equation represents the balanced chemical equation for this reaction?

Answer 1

H₂CO₃ (aq) → CO₂ (g) + H₂O (l)

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Write out unbalanced decomposition equation

H₂CO₃ (aq) → CO₂ (g) + H₂O (l)

Step 2: Balance equation

We see that we have 3 oxygens on both sides of the reaction.

We also see that we have 1 carbon on both sides of the reaction.

We also see that we have 2 hydrogens on both sides of the reaction.

Therefore, the chemical equation is balanced.